The Office of the Vice-President, Research (OVPR) is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Martin Horn as Deputy Vice-President, Research and Dr. John Preston as Associate Vice-President, Research (Nuclear).
Horn joined the OVPR in 2024 as Acting Deputy Vice-President, Research. He previously served as Associate Dean (Graduate Studies and Research) in the Faculty of Humanities, where he fostered community among graduate students and promoted the faculty’s research endeavours internally and externally.
A specialist in European international relations including the two world wars of the 20th century, Horn’s research lies at the intersection of business, finance, diplomacy and the interaction of states with non-governmental actors.
As Deputy Vice-President, Research, Horn will continue to support the Vice-President, Research on all research initiatives, with a specific focus on identifying funding opportunities and prospective cross-disciplinary collaborations, and maximizing the potential of the University’s research centres and institutes.
John Preston joined the OVPR in 2024 as Strategic Advisor to the Vice-President, Research on McMaster’s Nuclear Enterprise. He was appointed Acting Associate Vice-President, Research (Nuclear) in July 2025, overseeing the university’s nuclear portfolio.
Prior to joining the OVPR, Preston – a professor of engineering physics focused on nanostructured materials for electronic and optical applications – completed two terms as Associate Dean of Research, Innovation and Partnerships in the Faculty of Engineering, leading its research initiatives through transformative innovations, change and challenges.
As Associate Vice-President, Research (Nuclear), Preston will continue to work closely with academic partners across and beyond McMaster, as well as with government and industry collaborators to grow McMaster’s nuclear education, research and commercial programs.
Gianni Parise, Vice-President, Research says the two appointments will position McMaster to advance its leadership in multidisciplinary research, innovation and partnerships.
“Martin and John each bring exceptional expertise, strategic vision and a strong commitment to research excellence,” he said, noting their integral contributions over the last year. “Together, they will continue to drive initiatives that build on McMaster’s strengths, deepen our partnerships and create new opportunities for our researchers, students and collaborators,” he says.
Both five-year terms begin on July 1, 2026.